Role of Activin A and myostatin in human cancer cachexia.

Context: Cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and not fully reversible by nutritional support. Recent animal observations suggest that production of Activin A (ActA) and Myostatin (Mstn) by some tumors might contribute to cancer cachexia. Objective: Our goal was to investigate the role of ActA and Mstn in the development of the human cancer cachexia. Design/Setting: The ACTICA study is a cross-sectional study, which prospectively enrolled patients from a tertiary-care center between January 2012 and March 2014. Subjects/Outcome Measures: One hundred fifty two patients with colorectal or lung cancer had clinical, nutritional and functional assessment. Body composition was measured by CT-scan, anthropometry, and bioimpedance. Plasma concentrations of ActA, Mstn, and Follistatin were determined. Results: Cachexia was associated with reduced lean and fat mass (p < .01 and p < .001), reduced physical function, lower quality of life, and increased symptoms (QL...